Photon Sieve Space Telescope

Abstract

One approach for constructing ultra-large (>20m) next-generation, space-based telescopes is to use membrane primaries. Conventional refractive (lens) or reflective (mirror) elements require perfect three-dimensional surfaces that are impossible to create in zero-g. An alternative is to use a flat diffractive element, which removes the need for out of plane deformation. In this case, the primary is a photon sieve, a diffractive element consisting of millions of holes arranged in circular rings. A Fresnel Zone Plate (FZP) is a diffractive element consisting of concentric transparent and opaque circular zones.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 2010
Accession Number
ADA531869

Entities

People

  • Geoff Andersen
  • Geoff Mcharg
  • Mike Dearborn

Organizations

  • United States Air Force Academy

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Aluminum
  • Aluminum Coatings
  • Bandwidth
  • Diameters
  • Diffraction
  • Earth Orbits
  • Electron Beam Lithography
  • Elements
  • Fresnel Zones
  • High Resolution
  • Images
  • Low Earth Orbits
  • Membranes
  • Space Surveillance
  • Telescopes

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Robotics and Automation.
  • Spectroscopy.
  • Structural Dynamics.

Technology Areas

  • Space